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Hyperactivity in children
From CopperWiki
If a child has a knack for disrupting order at home and at school, it is likely that he is suffering from hyperactivity, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Hyperactive children are otherwise normal boys and girls who become hyperactive when enclosed or constrained. ADHD seems to promote lots of energy and brings about impulsiveness, inattention, and hyperactivity. Herein lies their inability to adapt to classroom protocol.
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[edit] Not much is known
Not much is known about ADHD as it is a relatively newly-discovered condition. But so far what experts have found shows that it is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Genes are also likely to play a part, there is often a history of hyperactivity or ADHD in the family.
Hyperactive children may display mood swings, inappropriate anger and sometimes are violent. They become inattentive to school work, disorganized and develop poor memory. As children age, these symptoms may lessen, but in many instances long-term handicaps remain, limited by a combination of physical illness, poor achievement, low self-esteem, and antisocial behavior.
[edit] Energy or hyperactivity: How to tell?
But children do commonly have a lot of energy. How do you then distinguish between a normal energetic child and a hypersensitive child?
Experts feel hyperactivity in children develop around the time they are 18 months of age and takes a lot of time to diagnose. Some indications of hyperactivity are:
- One of the best ways to tell if a child is hyperactive is their inability to relate accurately with their contemporaries. On slightest reasons they tend to become unduly irritable or aggressive with their playmates. So fighting often, for little apparent reason, would be a possible indication of ADHD
- Children with ADHD are also unaware of dangers – much more than normal children. Setting fire to the house or climbing the top of a tree are just commonplace things for them.
- They are impulsive and may say things which should not be said, or barge into places or games uninvited.
- ADHD patients display emotional and intellectual immaturity. One clear way of identifying the problem is to look at their school work. Hypersensitive children tend to lag far behind others because of their inability to concentrate.
- Hyperactive children are much pore clumsy and forgetful than other kids
They are extremely demanding and try to force their parents and teachers to be more attentive towards them.
[edit] Expert opinions
Experts know exactly the difference between children being children being naughty or boisterous and being afflicted with ADHD. Hyperactive children will have specific behavioral problems, such as not being able to concentrate, even on simple things such as eating and drinking. They are constantly driven by impulses beyond their control.
You may notice your child is hyper all the time, is fidgety, disruptive and has sudden, unexplained bursts of hyperactivity
While they may have difficulty filtering the huge amount of information and stimulation we get every day, a hyperactive child may also be violent or incredibly strong, as they have difficulty controlling the appropriate amount of force.
[edit] How is it diagnosed?
As hyperactivity is still relatively unknown, it requires a series of tests followed by close observation by a team of doctors, educational psychologists and teachers to come to the final conscusion.
Early symptoms in babies are:
- Continuous restlessness and inability to settle
- Difficulty in breast feeding
- Prolonged distres, relentlessly crying and screaming that's not pacified or comforted
- Trouble sleeping
- Repetitive comforting motions such as rocking or repeatedly banging their head
[edit] Diet and hyperactivity
Studies have traced the cause of hypersensitivity to the complex interaction of many food ingredients with the body. Sugar is said to be among the bigger culprits and sugar-containing foods, such as chocolate chip cookies, cake, jello, kool-aid, pop, strawberry ice cream, or chocolate bars are found to have adverse effects.
Caffeine is another problem. It is common among children to consume high caffeine drinks such as Jolt and Red Bull. Coca cola contains 44 mg of caffain per 12 oz can and Pepsi Cola 38 mg per can.
Other forms of diet which have effects on hypersensitivity are:
High-Carb Diet
Researchers believe that a lack of quality protein and carbohydrates found in whole grains, vegetables and beans and a diet high in refined carbohydrates, like sugars, processed cereals and breads, is a factor in causing ADHD symptoms.
Lead toxicity and Iron, Zinc and Magnesium deficiencies are also found to cause hyperactivity in children. Supplements in the Vitamin B group have been shown to improve some ADHD behaviors.
Additive and Food Allergies
ADHD patients are often found to be sensitive to certain types of foods, especially eggs, wheat, rye, oats, soy, milk, cheese, corn, peanuts, almonds and other nuts. Food additives and dyes are also found to cause allergies as well. Doing away with such foods have shown to give good results.
Amino acid, fatty acid Deficiencies
Another study indicates some ADHD patients have difficulty in the absorption and metabolism of the amino acids and of essential fatty acids. Inadequate intake of these fatty acids may also be a factor in some cases, especially where there are other dietary deficiencies.
Often a mixture of vitamins and minerals, essential fatty acids, phospholipids, amino acids, proboitics and phytonutrients are given as supplements to children used to combat the various deficiencies and toxicity believed to be causing the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
[edit] Diet Revision
Changing food selection is said to lower hypersensitivity symptoms in children. Thoug the pattern of diet may change from individual to individual, it is recommended to go for complete revision of the problematic diet. Selective eliminations are not known to work.
The following overall approach can be considered:
- minimizing exposure to food additives,
- choosing nourishing, primary, low allergenic foods as dietary staples,
- assuring nutrient adequacy by careful monitoring of the child's food intake.
[edit] ADHD among the famous
There are, however, many famous people who had been diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood. They include Albert Einstein, Walt Disney, and Da Vinci. Because of ADHD they were probably trapped in their own creative mind - too busy to pay attention to their teachers, and already understanding their grade level teachings. The symptoms of ADD and ADHD were probably signs of them being trapped in their own creative mind - too busy to pay attention to their teachers, and already understanding their grade level teachings.
